TV On The Radio star Gerard Smith has lost his battle with lung cancer.
The bassist revealed he had been diagnosed with the disease earlier this year (11) and subsequently dropped out of the cult band's summer (11) tour across America and Europe to concentrate on his recovery.
A recent statement released on the band's website read, "Already we have seen dramatic results. Combine that with Gerard's legendarily willful (sic) disposition and it might just be cancer that has the problem."
But Smith passed away on Wednesday morning (20Apr11).
The sad announcement on the band's website reads, "We are very sad to announce the death of our beloved friend and bandmate, Gerard Smith, following a courageous fight against lung cancer. Gerard passed away the morning of April 20th, 2011. We will miss him terribly."
The group has cancelled a string of concert dates, while they mourn their friend, beginning with a show in Detroit, Michigan on Wednesday night (20Apr11).